As a VW fob owner, you shouldn’t need to search the Internet for hours to find the information you need — we’re at your service. We’ve assembled your go-to haven for details on Volkswagen key fobs. Read our guide to learn how VW key fobs work, the prices they go for, programming info, and more.

How Does a VW Key Fob Work?

Remember the days of owning a traditional key for your car?
You’d use this tool to open your door and turn on the ignition. With a little jam-and-jiggle (and no intricate technology), you’d be on your way.
In modern times, many Volkswagen owners have become much more familiar with keyless entry remotes. These remotes contain transponder chips that interact with the receiver in your vehicle.
As long as you have your programmed remote on your person, you can lock/unlock your vehicle whenever you’re standing near it.
Depending on the type of remote you have, you may be able to drive away without having to pull out any physical keys.

Types of Volkswagen Keyless Entry Remotes

There are two main types of Volkswagen keyless entry remotes available:

• Volkswagen Flip Key
• Volkswagen Key Fob

The Volkswagen Flip version is much more rudimentary. You can lock and unlock your Volkswagen vehicle by clicking the corresponding button on your remote. When you’re ready to drive off, you have to flip the key out of its position and stick it into the ignition. Check Price on Amazon

Many owners prefer the Volkswagen Key Fob, as it allows them to access their vehicles remotely. Not once do they need to pull out their manual key. A key fob lets car owners push their vehicles’ “Start/Stop” engine buttons to begin driving, and it unlocks/locks their doors similarity to the Flip version. Check Price on Amazon

Call us unbiased, as we see the benefits to both. Some car owners don’t like to rely on the “Start/Stop” button, while others think of it as a luxury.

Which Volkswagen Models Have Key Fobs?

There are dozens of Volkswagen vehicles, and every model caters to the unique preferences of any customer. No matter if you prefer something compact like the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta or a more spacious vehicle like the 2021 Routan or Passat model, you don’t have to sacrifice your key fob.

How Much Is a New VW Key Fob?

The price of a replacement VW key fob can be anywhere between $150 and $550. The price a customer will pay will depend on factors like:

• The type of Volkswagen fob
• Where they shop for their replacement (online, an auto parts store, an automotive locksmith, your car dealer)
• The year your vehicle was manufactured

Why Is My Volkswagen Key Fob Not Working?

Some car owners are mechanically inclined — they don’t mind when they have to perform an oil or tire change. However, issues with automotive electrical parts are sure to bring about frustration. If it’s your first time owning a vehicle with a keyless remote, you may not know why it’s malfunctioning. The most likely culprit of a malfunctioning key device is a dead battery. Volkswagen keyless remotes commonly take a single CR2032. This battery will last for a year or longer, depending on how often you use your fob. However, it’ll eventually die and require replacement. Luckily, you don’t need any fancy tools to perform a dead battery replacement. In fact, you can complete the process today using only a few minutes of your time.

How to Replace the Battery

Look at these simple steps to put a different battery into your 2021 Passat car’s (or any other Volkswagen models) keyless remote:

1. Enter the blade of a small flathead screwdriver into the key fob shell’s groove. Please be careful not to cut yourself.
2. Switch out the old CR2032 with the replacement one. Make sure the new battery is in the right position (the negative side should not make contact with the case).
3. Reassemble the shell.
4. You’re free to use your remote as normal once you know you’ve completed the battery replacement.

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I Just Changed the Battery & My Volkswagen Key Fob Still Isn’t Working

If you choose to replace your battery and your device still doesn’t do its job, there might be a greater programming issue at hand. In this instance, you’ll likely have to get it re-programmed. It’s best to enlist a service professional to complete the reprogramming process for your keys.

Turning Your Vehicle On with a Broken Volkswagen Key Fob

You may call us crazy, but did you know there’s a way to turn on your vehicle with a broken Volkswagen key fob? First, you must enter your vehicle. Then place your remote in your car’s charging area. You’ll have to look around to find the charging area. If you can’t locate it, you can get help from your car’s user manual. Note: The charging area might be on top of the “Start/Stop” engine knob, inside the glove box, or under the cup holders. Once you place our device on its charging area, push the brake and engine button like you normally would. Use this method until you can order a fob replacement for a fair price from your dealer or another seller.

Where Can I Buy a Volkswagen Key Fob?

The best place to buy a replacement fob is from your dealership. Your Volkswagen dealer will specialize in VW remotes, so you can ensure the programming service will be up-to-par. Depending on your vehicle’s warranty, you might be able to secure a new fob for free. It won’t hurt to contact your car dealer and determine if you qualify for a free or reduced-price device.

Shop Online

As a VW customer, visiting a dealer isn’t your only option. You can shop around for new keys online to find a good price. Remember that you’ll still have to bring your new device to a service professional and pay the price for programming services.

Can a Locksmith Make a Volkswagen Key?

Yes, you can search for and call a locksmith to make a new VW fob. However, you should only call an automotive locksmith team with years of experience working on vehicles. This professional will deliver a new fob within hours at a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts — Shopping for a Volkswagen Key Fob

Shopping for a new Volkswagen key fob doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, you might not even need to. Your first step should be to replace the fob’s battery. If this method still doesn’t fix the problem, follow our advice to order a fob from a dealer at the best price. They’ll perform a thorough programming service with the right tools in hand. For car owners looking for a great deal, you can try buying online and bringing your new device to an automotive locksmith for programming.